There are some intriguing players among the Division II NFL Draft prospects for 2023. With our comprehensive Division II scouting reports, we examine the strengths and weaknesses of each of those prospects.
Division II 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Andrew Farmer, EDGE | Lane
Strengths: Explosive, playmaking small-school defender who posted 58 tackles and 25 TFLs last season. Strong for his size, plays with terrific pad level, and defeats blocks with ease. Rushes the edge with speed and can flatten and pursue from the backside. Effectively uses his hands to protect himself, slides down the line of scrimmage, and makes plays against the run.
Has a nasty attitude, goes after opponents, and forces the action, causing fumbles. Fluid, agile, and immediately alters his angle of attack to get to the action. Stays with plays and works to defend the run and rush the passer.
Weaknesses: Primarily comes out of a three-point stance. Lacks a quick first step off the snap. Lacks true pursuit speed even though he plays fast.
Overall: Farmer dominated the level of competition he played at, then impressed scouts in the postseason. He offers possibilities as a situational pass rusher, though he must learn to play standing over tackle.
Armani Carmickle, WR | Minnesota Duluth
Strengths: Tall, productive possession receiver who possesses excellent length. Uses his frame to shield away defenders and extends to snatch the ball away from his frame. Tracks the pass in the air, nicely times receptions, and comes away with the contested throw. Consistent hands catcher who comes back to the ball and uses his frame to shield away defenders. Works routes, gives effort blocking, and works hard even if the play is away from him.
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Weaknesses: Lacks a quick release off the line of scrimmage. Plays to one speed. Marginal run-after-catch ability. Coming off a disappointing season.
Overall: Carmickle was a record-setting receiver at Minnesota Duluth who flashed ability as a red-zone target. He lacks quickness as well as speed for the next level and will struggle getting out of camp this summer.
BJ Wilson, OL | Quincy
Strengths: Massive small-school left tackle who sets with a wide base and bends his knees. Quickly gets into blocks, effectively uses his hands, and overwhelms opponents or out-positions them from the action. Stays square, seals opponents from plays, and easily turns them from the line. Does a nice job getting a pad on linebackers and disrupting their angles of attack. Keeps his feet moving, his head on a swivel, and is fundamentally sound in pass protection.
Weaknesses: Must be more cognizant of his hand placement. Doesn’t show a killer instinct and really doesn’t work to finish blocks. Struggles to adjust. Gets winded quickly. Must improve every aspect of his game.
Overall: Wilson is a size prospect who did a good job at LT on the small-school level, but he’s more of a strong-side blocker in the NFL. He’s smart, strong, and has the tools to play on Sundays, though Wilson must pick up the intensity of his game and learn to consistently play to his size.
Blake Larson, OL | Augustana
Strengths: Massive small-school right tackle with next-level ability. Quickly sets up in pass protection, keeps his feet moving, and makes proper use of angles. Keeps his head on a swivel, blocks with a nasty attitude, and works to finish off opponents. Shows good recognition and awareness. Explosive run blocker who drives opponents off the line. Technically sound with his hands.
Weaknesses: Struggles to hit a moving target and shows limited ability pulling across the line of scrimmage. Really doesn’t sink his butt at the line and isn’t a natural knee-bender. Lacks overall blocking balance.
Overall: Larson possesses next-level size, strength, and attitude. He must improve his mechanics, yet Larson’s measurables, approach, and blocking intelligence make him worth keeping on a practice squad.
Brent Laing, OL | Minnesota Duluth
Strengths: Versatile small-school blocker who is a solid athlete. Bends his knees, blocks with proper lean, and fires into blocks. Strong, gets movement run blocking, and dominated on the small-school level.
Plays with a nasty attitude and looks to hit as many defenders as possible on every snap. Blocks down well or completely engulfs opponents to take them from the action. Patient in pass protection, makes excellent use of angles, and knocks defenders from plays with a violent hand punch. Terrific position blocker who stays square and seals opponents from plays.
Weaknesses: Lacks agility and falls off blocks rather than finishing off opponents. Looks heavy-footed on the field despite his 40 time. Has short arms.
Overall: Laing was a tremendous small-school offensive lineman who has enough ability to back up on Sundays at guard or possibly center.
Brian Edwards, DB | Ferris State
Strengths: Former Central Michigan cornerback who flashes next-level ball skills. Battles receivers throughout the action, flips his hips in transition, and smoothly pedals in reverse. Effective facing the action and has a nice move to the throw. Physical, possesses outstanding size, and beats down opponents defending the throw. Shows ability on coverage units.
Weaknesses: Late reacting to receivers’ moves off the line and loses a half-step at the snap. Deep speed is a red flag.
Overall: Edwards is an aggressive DB with next-level size and long arms. He shows hesitation in his game but offers possibilities in a zone system where he can face the action. Edwards could also receive consideration at safety.
Caleb Murphy, EDGE | Ferris State
Strengths: Explosive small-school pass rusher with linebacker size. Much more athletic than his numbers would lend one to believe and plays faster than his 40 time. Plays with great balance as well as body control and consistently gets leverage on opponents.
Fires his hands into opponents, displays a variety of moves to get off blocks, and easily bends off the edge. Relentless, chases the action hard, and diagnoses plays. Does more than pin his ears back and rush up the field and slides down the line in pursuit of running plays. Has an explosive nature and plays with a sense of urgency.
Weaknesses: Lacks size and gets knocked around by opponents once they get their hands on him. Can be engulfed at the point of attack. Lacks true linebacker speed.
Overall: Murphy was an incredibly productive small-school pass rusher who totaled 44 tackles for loss and 18 sacks the past two seasons. He works hard to make plays as a pass rusher and run defender, yet Murphy lacks the measurables for any real position on Sundays. He projects as a pass-rush specialist who can be used out of a three-point stance as well as standing over tackle. Murphy also comes with a special-teams mentality.
Want more information on Murphy? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Caleb Murphy, EDGE, Ferris State | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Charlie Cleveland, LB | Tiffin
Strengths: Undersized college pass rusher who can stand over tackle or come out of a three-point stance. Quick, uses his hands well, and displays good change-of-direction ability. Moves well laterally and shows the ability to get outside the numbers to make plays in pursuit.
Breaks down well, penetrates the gaps to get behind the line of scrimmage, and plays with proper pad level. Covers a lot of area on the field. Displays an array of moves to get off blocks.
Weaknesses: Easily blocked from the action or out-positioned from plays out of a three-point stance. Lacks great first-step quickness. Comes with average 40 speed.
Overall: Cleveland was a productive small-school player who comes with average size and speed for the next level.
Chris Brimm, QB | Notre Dame College
Strengths: Mobile, quick-footed quarterback who is patient in the pocket. Knows where receivers are on the field and delivers a catchable pass. Possesses a quick release and a live arm and fires the ball through the tight spots. Drives deep passes with speed. Sells ball fakes, naturally looks off the safety, and easily gets the ball downfield throwing on the move. Works to pick up yardage with his legs.
Weaknesses: Not big and easily brought down at the point. Struggles withstanding the rush. Tossed 18 TDs and 11 INTs last season while watching his accuracy drop off.
Overall: Brimm was graded as a potential late-round choice coming into the season, yet he really struggled in 2022 and performed poorly during his pro day. He possesses the skills to be a backup RPO quarterback, yet Brimm’s game is on the downside.
Connor Degenhardt, QB | New Haven
Strengths: Productive two-year starter who began his college career at Holy Cross. Patient in the pocket, buys as much time as necessary, and knows where receivers are on the field. Looks off the safety and goes through progressions. Senses the rush and scrambles in the backfield to elude defenders and buy time.
Sees the field and displays good awareness and pocket presence. Keeps his eyes downfield, quickly locates the open wideout, and remains poised. Puts air under long throws, gives his receivers a chance to come away with the reception, and shows himself to be a playmaker. Nicely times receptions and doesn’t have receivers waiting for the ball to arrive.
Weaknesses: Possesses an average arm and really cannot zip the ball into targets. Very streaky. Has small hands.
Overall: Degenhardt is a solid passer who’s much better than his stats lead one to believe, and he comes with an upside. He must try to fill out his frame and improve his arm strength if necessary, but the sixth-year senior is worth keeping on the practice squad this fall.
Dagan Rienks, TE | Colorado Mesa
Strengths: Massive tight end who was a consistent intermediate target on the small-school level. Bends his knees, sinks his butt, and keeps his head on a swivel looking for someone to hit. Adjusts to the errant throw, extends his hands, and makes the reception in stride. Gets vertical to snatch the ball out of the air and makes the difficult catch with defenders draped on his back. Nicely settles into the open spot of the field.
Weaknesses: Slow, plays to his 40 time, and shows limited quickness. Stiff as a blocker.
Overall: Rienks possesses tremendous size and arm length and plays intelligent football, but he’s a limited athlete with marginal upside. He possesses the size and style to be a third tight end on Sundays, though he’ll need an impressive showing in camp this summer to make a roster.
Danny Kittner, WR | Mary
Strengths: Super-productive, small-school receiver with the size, speed, and skills to play on Sundays. Very quick, reads opposing defenses, and consistently finds the open spot in the defense. Shows great awareness, extends his hands to offer the QB a target, and usually makes the reception away from his frame. Display soft hands, shows outstanding focus as well as concentration, and sells routes.
Gets vertical in a crowd and fights to come away with the reception. Plays with balance as well as body control, shows resilience, and stays with plays. Uses the sidelines well and gives effort running after the catch. Draws the coverage toward him, which opens up opportunities for teammates. Gives effort blocking and can be used as a return specialist.
Weaknesses: Slow releasing off the line of scrimmage. Must improve his route running. Not a stout receiver.
Overall: Kittner was a terrific pass catcher who caught 218 passes and 23 TDs in the past two seasons at Mary. He’s a potential fifth receiver with return ability, though Kittner must improve his route running and learn to separate at the next level.
Darius Hagans, RB | Virginia State
Strengths: Explosive running back coming off a career season. Finds the running lanes, turns it upfield, and runs with authority. Possesses the agility necessary to turn the corner, has a burst of speed, and shows strength in his lower body.
Breaks arm tackles to pick up yardage off initial contact. Solid pass catcher out of the backfield who extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame. Gives effort running after the catch. Sells ball fakes with the quarterback.
Weaknesses: Runs with a bit of an upright style. Indecisive. Gathers into tackles.
Overall: Hagans is highly considered in the scouting community and has shown consistent progress in his game. He possesses next-level size and speed and comes with an upside. If he doesn’t make a roster over the summer, expect Hagans to find his way onto a practice squad.
Darrious Gaines, CB | Western Colorado
Strengths: Nice-sized cornerback who flashes next-level ability. Engages receivers at the line of scrimmage, quickly flips his hips, and works to track the pass in the air. Fires to the ball out of his plant, nicely times pass defenses, and shows a sense of anticipation.
Has an explosive closing burst, flashes on the scene, and is a player opposing quarterbacks purposely throw away from him. Very effective facing the action. Fires upfield and squares into ball handlers defending the run. Stout run defender who wraps up tackling.
Weaknesses: Indecisive. Struggles tracking the deep pass in the air.
Overall: From a size and speed perspective, Gaines possesses the measurables desired in a top-100 pick. He’s also shown flashes of next-level ability but must really put an entire game together. Gaines comes with tremendous upside and should definitely get practice-squad consideration this fall.
David Durden, WR | West Florida
Strengths: Big-play receiver with a nose for the end zone. Terrific vertical threat who plays to his 40 time and beats defenders in a foot race. Tracks the deep pass in the air, adjusts backwards, and makes the reception in stride. Sharp route runner who quickly gets in and out of routes and extends his hands to offer the quarterback a target.
Works his hands to separate from defenders. Shows good route discipline, comes back to the ball, and displays good eye/hand coordination. Plucks the ball out of the air and keeps the play in bounds after the catch. Gives effort blocking downfield and gets results.
Weaknesses: Has a limited route tree. Not quick releasing off the line of scrimmage. Dedication to football has been questioned.
Overall: Durden was an outstanding small-school receiver who averaged more than 20 yards per catch on 88 receptions the past two seasons and caught 13 TDs. He’s well-built and a legitimate home-run threat who must pay attention to detail and make football a priority.
Dominick Fletcher, LB | Western Colorado
Strengths: Productive small-school linebacker with safety size. Patient, effectively diagnoses plays, and breaks down well. Fires up the field, is smooth moving laterally, and covers a lot of area. Fluid, quickly changes direction, or immediately alters his angle of attack and drives his shoulders through ball handlers. Gives effort against the run and sells out on the blitz.
Weaknesses: Slow and off balance pedaling in reverse. Easily blocked from the action. Overpursues plays on occasion. Shows average skill in coverage.
Overall: Fletcher possesses safety size and linebacker speed and may have no true position at the next level. He’s a traditional strong safety, yet his limitations in coverage are worrisome.
Eli Weber, DB | Augustana
Strengths: Productive four-year starter who was awarded varying degrees of All-Conference and All-American honors. Displays great recognition, is constantly around the action, and takes proper angles. Easily changes direction, fires upfield, and gives effort defending the run.
Breaks down well and defeats blocks. Stays with coverage assignments, keeps the action in front of him, and effectively plays the pass over the middle of the field. Has nice length. Does a terrific job quarterbacking the secondary and makes the tackle in space.
Weaknesses: Possesses poor long speed and an average burst to the play. Marginal quickness.
Overall: Weber is a smart, tough, and productive small-school defensive back who lacks the speed for Sundays. He’s more of a zone safety and comes with a special-teams mentality that gives him an advantage.
Elijah Harper, WR | Adams State
Strengths: Productive receiver with consistent hands. Shows good route discipline, tracks the pass in the air, and adjusts to the errant throw. Extends his hands to catch the ball away from his frame and looks the pass in. Uses his hands to separate from defenders and makes the reception in stride. Gives effort blocking. Works hard even away from the action.
Weaknesses: Has a limited route tree. Not quick releasing off the line of scrimmage and plays to his 40 time. Marginal run-after-the-catch skill.
Overall: Harper is a tall receiver with long arms, big hands, and solid pass-catching skills, but he will struggle to separate at the NFL level.
Elysee Mbem-Bosse, LB | Davenport
Strengths: Michigan transfer who displays an explosive nature to his game. Plays both inside as well as outside linebacker, remains disciplined with assignments, and doesn’t bite on ball fakes. Stays with the action, breaks down well, and effectively uses his hands to protect himself. Fires up the field and is strong for his size. Covers a lot of area on the field, scrapes well laterally, and wraps up tackling. Displays good instincts and awareness in coverage.
Weaknesses: Possesses average size. Easily disrupted from the action by the initial block. Lack of height causes mismatches in coverage. Easily out-positioned by opposing tight ends.
Overall: Mbem-Bosse is a run-and-chase linebacker who is most effective in pursuit. He needs a free shot at the ball and comes with scheme limitations.
Emanuel Wilson, RB | Fort Valley State
Strengths: Large, powerful ball carrier who was super-productive on the college level. Runs with proper lean and keeps his feet moving. Picks up a lot of yardage off initial contact and moves the pile. Rarely brought down by a single defender, doesn’t go down without a fight, and falls forward when tackled. Possesses solid short-area quickness, has a burst of speed, and runs with authority.
Patient, finds the hole and squeezes through the small openings of the offensive line. Shifty and shows the ability to bounce around defenders or piles. Makes defenders miss in the open field. Easily gets back to running balance off the initial hit.
Devastating blocker who shows excellent vision in pass protection. Sells out to stop the blitz. Stones defenders to stop them in their tracks and works blocks. Easily adjusts to the pass and reaches back for the reception.
Weaknesses: Cannot run to daylight. Not a truly creative ball carrier and struggles when he tries to make multiple moves. Has small hands.
Overall: Wilson was a brute on the small-school level and a featured runner able to handle a lot of carries. He has enough ability to make an NFL roster as a fifth RB used in short-yardage or goal-line situations as well as a blocker in the backfield.
Ivory Durham, QB | Valdosta State
Strengths: Short small-school signal-caller who is very effective carrying the ball. Patient in the pocket, possesses a big arm, and easily gets the ball downfield with a flick of his wrist. Quick-footed, escapes the rush, and displays himself to be a creative ball carrier when taking off upfield.
Possesses a live arm and puts speed on throws, yet also puts touch on the ball and delivers a catchable pass. Leaves the pocket only when necessary or on designed runs. Easily gets outside the pocket and keeps his eyes downfield.
Weaknesses: All over the place with throws and must improve his pass placement. Forces the ball into covered targets.
Overall: Durham is an athletic QB who is equally effective running the ball as he is throwing it. He’s a true RPO quarterback whose lack of height is a major issue.
Jacky Chen, OL | Pace
Strengths: Athletic small-school tackle who has shown consistent development in his game. Patient and effective with his hands. Blocks with proper lean and moves well on his feet. Fires off the snap, explodes into blocks, and quickly gets to the second level. Keeps his feet moving, stays square, and seals defenders from the action. Agile, mobile, and easily redirects.
Weaknesses: Possesses average strength. Doesn’t turn defenders from the line of scrimmage or get movement run blocking. Gets run over by opponents.
Overall: Chen was a steady starter the past two seasons and offers potential as a zone-blocking lineman at tackle or guard. Unlikely to be drafted, he’s worth stashing on the practice squad in the fall.
Jalen Sample, WR | Minnesota State
Strengths: Productive small-school WR who has outstanding length, extends his hands, and exposes himself to the big hit in order to come away with the reception. Displays good route discipline, uses the sidelines well, and consistently snatches the ball away from his frame.
Quickly releases into pass routes, adjusts to the errant throw, and makes the difficult catch in a crowd or with opponents draped on his back. Sells routes, quickly gets into breaks, and possesses eye/hand coordination. Active and keeps his head on a swivel blocking downfield.
Weaknesses: Must do a better job using his hands to disengage from opponents at the snap. Displays limited quickness and speed and really shows no burst. Limited to just four games last season due to injury.
Overall: After a tremendous junior campaign in 2021, Sample was poised for a big senior season before being sidelined with injury. He possesses the length, football smarts, and pass-catching hands to be a fifth receiver, though the inability to separate through quickness and speed is a concern.
Jamar Thompkins, RB | Valdosta State
Strengths: Patient ball carrier with a limited game. Smooth and fluid, runs with proper lean, and breaks tackles to pick up yardage off initial contact. Patiently waits for blocks to develop, displays terrific vision, and finds the running lanes. Gets out in front and gives effort blocking when necessary.
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Weaknesses: Unnecessary lets the ball get inside him as a pass catcher. Plays to one speed. Not a quick cutback runner who creates yardage.
Overall: Thompkins comes with solid measurables and has flashed ability, yet he lacks versatility and an upside.
James Walker, OL | Southeastern Oklahoma State
Strengths: Wide-bodied college right tackle who projects to guard. Explosive at the point, fires into blocks off the snap, and moves relatively well. Makes good use of angles in pass protection, anchors at the point, and stays square to seal defenders from the action. Works well with teammates.
Weaknesses: Stiff. Lacks great lateral blocking range. Average athlete with a limited upside.
Overall: Walker is a size prospect who gets the most from his ability, yet he lacks the athleticism and agility for Sunday football.
Jeremiah Campbell, OL | Valdosta State
Strengths: Massive small-school left tackle who sets with a wide base, starts with good knee bend, and stays square. Powerful, strong at the point, and keeps his feet moving. Always looking for someone to hit and tosses defenders from the action with ease.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t block with consistent leverage and gets tall as the play proceeds. Lumbers around the field. Struggles to adjust. Only effective in a small area.
Overall: Campbell is an imposing figure on the offensive line, yet he lacks the athleticism and agility to get out of camp this summer. He’s a size prospect who may be too big for his own good, and he’ll have to come into camp closer to 320 pounds than 355 pounds.
Joey Fisher, OL | Shepherd
Strengths: Hard-working college right tackle who projects to guard. Quickly sets up in pass protection, stays square, and makes excellent use of blocking angles as well as body positioning. Sets with a wide base, works to bend his knees, and anchors at the point. Strong, controls opponents, and works to finish them off. Keeps his head on a swivel, displays good vision, and gets a pad or hand on defenders to disrupt their angles of attack.
Weaknesses: Stiff and struggles to adjust. Doesn’t show much ability blocking in motion despite outstanding athletic numbers. Lacks overall bulk and power.
Overall: Fisher was a productive, durable lineman who started all three seasons he played for Shepherd. He possesses a good feel for blocking, but he must get stronger to play in a power-gap system.
Joshua Pryor, DT | Bowie State
Strengths: Quick, undersized defensive tackle who projects as a 3-technique. Plays with terrific pad level, gets leverage on opponents, and keeps his feet moving. Displays good change-of-direction skills and the ability to get outside the box and make plays in pursuit. Easily moves around the field, moves fluidly if asked to twist or stunt, and plays with great intensity. Displays a variety of moves to get off blocks.
Weaknesses: Undersized and gets rag-dolled in the middle of the line. Easily knocked from his angle of attack. Coming off a somewhat disappointing season.
Overall: Pryor has been one of my favorite small-school defensive linemen the past four seasons and was a menace for opponents, totaling 77 tackles for loss as well as 245 tackles. He has enough ability to get consideration as a 3-technique, though Pryor must add bulk and get stronger.
Maalik Hall, LB | Southeastern Oklahoma State
Strengths: Athletic LB prospect who is best in pursuit. Shows great recognition, covers a large amount of area, and fluidly moves in any direction. Displays a quick, smooth backpedal, quickly flips his hips in transition, and stays downfield with opponents. Keeps the action in front of him, takes proper angles, and effectively uses his hands to protect himself.
Stays with assignments, quickly changes direction, and is rarely off his feet. Instinctive and does a solid job reading as well as diagnosing. Plays faster than his 40 time, shows outstanding pursuit ability, and immediately alters his angle of attack on his way to the action.
Weaknesses: Undersized and easily removed from the action by blocks. More of a drag-down tackler. Lack of height will create mismatches in coverage.
Overall: Hall is a highly regarded small-school LB prospect with the size, speed, and athleticism to play on Sundays. He’s a classic 4-3 OLB who is best suited for a one-gap system.
Michael Jerrell, OL | Findlay
Strengths: Celebrated small-school offensive tackle who projects to guard. Bend his knees, sinks his butt, and blocks with outstanding leverage. Fires off the snap, is explosive at the point, and stays square. Gets his hands into defenders and turns them from the line as a run blocker, and rides pass rushers from their angles of attack.
Anchors at the point, keeps his head on a swivel, and is always looking for someone to hit. Blocks with a nasty attitude. Keeps his feet moving and displays solid blocking range. Fires out to the second level and moves relatively well.
Weaknesses: Shows stiffness and struggles to adjust. Gets beaten by quick, nimble opponents.
Overall: Jerrell was a terrific small-school lineman who possesses the size and athleticism to line up in a zone-blocking system. He must polish his game and consistently block with proper fundamentals, yet at the very least, Jerrell is worth practice-squad consideration.
Nicolas Melsop, OL | Delta State
Strengths: Massive small-school lineman who blocks with a nasty attitude. Patient, always looking for someone to hit, and moves well for a 320-pound lineman. Strong, stays square, and makes outstanding use of angles in pass protection. Works to bend his knees, keeps his hands active, and keeps his head on a swivel. Works well with linemates.
Weaknesses: Gets tall as the play proceeds and doesn’t consistently block with leverage. Overextends on occasion. Not a dominant run blocker.
Overall: Melsop gets the most from his ability and flashes skill. He has next-level size, but he’ll have no chance of making an NFL roster unless he improves his technique and blocks with leverage on every snap.
Quinton Barrow, OL | Gran Valley State
Strengths: Terrific small-school LT who possesses the size and strength to line up on the strong side at the next level. Quickly sets up off the snap, keeps his feet moving, and effectively gets his hands into defenders. Explosive at the point, stays square, and rides defenders from their angles of attack.
Keeps his head on a swivel and blocks with a nasty attitude. Was an overwhelming force on the small-school level. Blocks with good leverage for a taller lineman, makes proper use of angles, and has a stout build. Strong and jolts defenders with a violent hand punch.
Weaknesses: Could do a better job sinking his butt at the line and overextends into blocks on occasion. Struggles to adjust and gets beaten by inside moves. Heavy-footed and ineffective in motion. Must be more consistent about his hand placement.
Overall: Barrow was a terrific tackle at Grand Valley State and possesses the size, arm length, and strength to play on Sundays. He must improve the details of his game, yet he’s worth a late-round choice and a roster spot for future development.
Want more information on Brown? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Quinton Brown, OL, Grand Valley State | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Ronnie Brown, RB | Shepherd
Strengths: Hard-charging ball carrier with home-run-hitting speed. Patiently waits for blocks to develop, displays vision, and quickly finds the open lanes. Displays a burst through the hole, quickly cuts back against the grain without losing momentum, and runs with good lean. Slides off defenders to pick up positive yardage, consistently runs north/south, beats defenders into the open field, then runs to daylight.
Works runs and keeps plays in bounds. Plays to his 40 time. Terrific pass catcher out of the backfield. Quickly gets into routes and works to make himself the hot receiver when his quarterback is in trouble. Tracks the pass in the air, displays eye/hand coordination, and works to make the reception away from his frame.
Weaknesses: Not a real big ball carrier and gets brought down at the point by a single defender. Dominated just one season at the small-school level.
Overall: Brown comes off a career season in which he totaled 1,863 yards rushing with 19 TDs and added 58 receptions and another five scores. He possesses the ball-carrying and pass-catching skills to make a roster as a third-down back. Brown also comes with return potential.
Seth McGill, RB | Valdosta State
Strengths: Creative ball carrier who gets the most from his ability. Patient, effectively follows blocks, and runs with good lean. Finds the running lanes, has a burst through the hole, and quickly gets into the open field. Easily cuts back against the grain without losing momentum and makes defenders miss in the open field. Solid pass catcher who tracks the ball in the air then makes the over-the-shoulder reception. Used to return kicks.
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Weaknesses: Lacks running strength and is easily brought down at the point by a single defender. Cannot turn the perimeter. Must pick up the blocking intensity.
Overall: McGill is a creative third-down back who also shows ability catching the pass out of the backfield. The lack of pure speed is a hindrance, but McGill’s ability to return kicks will get him consideration this summer.
Tyler Richardson, CB | Tiffin
Strengths: Opportunistic cornerback with solid size. Quick flipping his hips in transition, works to keep the opponent in front of him and stays with assignments. Explosive, displays a burst to the ball out of his plant and sticks with receivers all over the field. Battles opponents throughout the route, plays faster than his 40 time, and stays downfield with receivers to defend the throw. Gives effort against the run.
Weaknesses: He must be more consistent and disciplined in his backpedal. Does not always time his pass defenses properly or take proper angles. Gives up a lot of underneath receptions. Plays with average instincts.
Overall: Richardson entered the season with draftable grades and responded with four interceptions as a senior. He has an upside, yet he needs to polish his game and improve his instincts. He may be best backed off the line of scrimmage, but Richardson will have to earn his wage on special teams.
Tyson Bagent, QB | Shepherd
Strengths: Super-productive, small-school passer with a next-level arm. Patient in the pocket, throws with an over-the-top delivery, and puts speed on passes. Goes through progressions and buys as much time as necessary. Spreads the ball around and uses all his targets. Stands in the pocket and takes a big hit in order to get the ball away and is elusive enough to escape the rush.
Senses the rush and steps up to avoid defenders. Knows where his receivers are on the field. Puts touch on the ball when necessary, sets up screen passes, and makes several difficult throws due to his arm strength. Puts speed on all his throws, drives the deep ball, and displays a sense of timing on passes.
Weaknesses: Must improve his accuracy and pass placement. Can be all over the place with throws. Has receivers adjusting backward to make the reception. Inability to precisely place throws or accurately deliver passes results in missed opportunities.
Overall: Bagent was an incredibly productive quarterback on the small-school level who threw for more than 17,000 yards and added 159 TD passes over the past five years. He has the arm strength and size to play at the next level, yet Bagent must significantly improve his accuracy and pass placement to ever make an impact on an NFL team.